Southampton Community Notes, July 25

Wednesday nights for me are usually spent attending to hungry patrons at Suki Zuki in Water Mill. As I rush from table to table I am often up to my ears in local parents and kids fresh from a day at summer camp and throngs of summer visitors clamoring for a delicious Japanese meal before they head out for the evening.This past Wednesday was the exception, when my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting a group of friends in Agawam Park for the Southampton Cultural Center’s free summer concert.

I was impressed by Matt Daniel’s performance but was blown away by some of the concert regulars and their picnic setups. Not only did people bring picnic baskets brimming with delicious looking food and chilled bottles of wine but it seemed like some concert-goers moved their entire patio sets onto the park’s manicured grounds. Fold-up chairs, coffee tables, full-size picnic benches and tables complete with cupholders and the like dotted the lawn as far as the eye could see. I felt a little out of my element as I broke out my lone beach towel and cut-up watermelon.

Not ones to shy away from an opportunity to show off their culinary prowess, my friends made up for my shortcomings with a large cheese, cracker and fruit presentation, antipasta from Paul’s, a “Grandma” from La Parmigiana, several bottles of local wine and beer, and a half-rack of freshly smoked short ribs. As other groups passed our blanket and gazed longingly at the ribs I have to say I felt slightly vindicated.

Another wonderful Southampton community event starts up this week at Coopers Beach. The Southampton Chamber of Commerce will screen “The Sandlot,” on Monday, July 29, at 7 p.m., as the first offering in its annual Drive-In Movie Series. Tickets are $40 per carload or $10 per person and can be purchased in advance at the Southampton Chamber’s office or on a first-come, first-serve basis at the gate. Vehicles need an FM radio for “retro-in-your-car” movie viewing. Dinners, snacks and soft drinks are available at the beach cafe. Unlike the concerts in the park, no alcohol, coolers or barbecues are permitted. In the case of rain, the movie will be shown on Tuesday, July 30. Check out the chamber’s website at www.southamptonchamber.com for future offerings.

The Shinnecock Museum and Cultural Center will open the exhibition “Warrior Visions,” featuring the art and photography of the late Jason “Tek” King on Thursday, August 1. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, August 3, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. and the show will remain on view through October.

Mr. King, as many of you may know, was a dedicated member of the Shinnecock Nation and served on the Tribal Council, was co-founder of the Young Men of Shinnecock group, and took part in the foundational years of the Shinnecock Warrior Society. In addition, photographs and items from King’s Evitan Couture apparel line will be available for purchase in the museum’s Gift Shop. Call (631) 287-4923.

At The Library

Anil Kumar will return to Rogers Memorial Library to share the delicious and diverse flavors of India on Wednesday, July 31, at noon. Reservations are required by July 28.

Carol O’Connor will lead a bead workshop at the library on Saturday, August 3, at 3 p.m. There is a fee of $10.

The library will hold its board of trustees election and budget vote on Friday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call (631) 283-0774 for more information.